Delusions are perceived to be real beliefs that feel very real to an individual, while psychiatrists define delusion as the abnormal attachment of meaning or significance to real objects or experiences without rational or emotional causes.

Researchers must gain more understanding about why some delusions provide protection. It may serve a protective function by shielding individuals from painful truths; however, researchers need to explore this further in order to fully grasp its manifestations.

What is a delusion?

Delusions are persistent false beliefs that cannot be overcome with logic or reason, that cannot be explained away through social, religious or cultural considerations and are held with extreme conviction and subjective certainty by their owners. Delusions often accompany psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or paranoid personality disorder.

Psychologists understand delusion to be an inability to objectively evaluate reality of any percept and an alteration in our ability to relate our ego with real perception. Jaspers describes delusion as the attributing an abnormal significance to an event without emotional or logical justification.

Delusions can range in subject matter depending on a patient’s mood state, social and familial environment or interests. Religion-related delusions may occur while other may involve being pursued or attacked by someone. Individuals suffering from delusional disorders typically seek treatment on their own; if symptoms become severe or threaten safety then healthcare professionals may intervene and hospitalize the individual until their condition can be stabilized.

What is a delusion of grandeur?

Delusion of grandeur refers to a false belief that one is significantly more important or powerful than they actually are, one of the more prevalent types of delusions. It often manifests alongside disorders such as narcissistic personality disorder, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Researchers suggest that these beliefs could be caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals in your brain, while stress, alcohol or drugs could trigger them as well as social isolation, envy and suspicion as possible causes. Ego defense mechanisms might also play a part.

People engulfed by delusions should seek treatment, including therapy with a licensed therapist or counselor, involuntary hospitalization or intensive outpatient programs; such interventions can help individuals return to reality and lead fulfilling lives again.

What is a delusion of persecution?

Persecutory delusions are very frightening beliefs that others are harming you or those close to you, including stalking, poisoning, spying on, or otherwise impeding upon their lives and activities in some way. Such delusions are one of the more prevalent types of psychotic disorders and can even cause individuals to withdraw further into themselves as they fear leaving home due to this type of delusion.

Persecutory delusions are more likely to lead to action than other types of delusion, and can be caused by stressful events or traumas, or loss of control over life, including losing control. They’re more common among men than females and theory of mind deficits are often present with this disorder. First-generation antipsychotic medications such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), haloperidol (Haldol) and thioridazine (Navane); second generation antipsychotics such as risperidone (Risperdal), Clozapine (Clozaril), Quetiapine (Seroquel) and ziprasidone (Geodon) can all treat this disorder effectively.

What is a delusion of infidelity?

Delusions of infidelity is an extreme form of jealousy that causes individuals to believe their loved ones are cheating on them, also known as Othello Syndrome, conjugal Paranoia, or pathological Jealousy. This condition can be very damaging and lead to dangerous actions like stalking or murder as people with jealous delusions cannot differentiate between what is real and not; they remain convinced their partner is having an affair, constantly searching bedding or underwear in an attempt to find evidence.

Jealous delusions are often an indicator of schizophrenia or another psychiatric disorder, although they may also be caused by medications, environmental factors like high stress levels or drug abuse or even medications used for mood regulation purposes. Treatment options include psychotherapy and medications; with psychotherapy typically being provided on an individual basis in order to recognize and modify distorted thoughts while medicines help manage emotions as well as manage symptoms associated with such disorders.